The Queensland State final of the Arrive Alive Cup had been billed as “David versus Goliath” with St Brendan’s NRL Debutante David Taylor in the role of David and the Keebra boys in the role of Goliath, however something funny happened on the way to the forum. Instead of David disposing Goliath with his trusty slingshot full of offloads, line busting runs and crunching defence…..Goliath parried, out maneuvered and finally slay the humble shepherd with a skilful display football that left many at Browne Park opened mouthed and shocked.

Brendans had beaten all before them by large margins and would have been rightly confident of their ability to continue their run with a team boasting not only Taylor but also a number of Capricornia reps in the side. Keebra having disposed of local rivals Marsden and Palm Beach Currumbin (who both feature Australian schoolboy reps) were just as confident and the stage was set for an encounter of Biblical proportions.

Keebra were quickest off the mark and after just four minutes, opened their account with a try to Matthew Parata who managed to convert his own effort. Several incomplete sets put the boys under some unnecessary pressure but through solid defence they were able to weather the storm and seven minutes before half time they added another unconverted try through bustling centre, Kingi Akaoula.

The second half developed into a bit of an arm wrestle with Brendan’s hooker, Graham Thomas showing good maturity as he probed the Keebra line asking many a question of the Keebra defence….these questions were solidly answered with a “Sorry not today thank you” and as the half progressed the boys stepped up a gear and in the space of four minutes added two tries.

Man of the match, Orlando Wihongi-Seia crossed after a dazzling display of footwork close to the line and then Brett Thomas latched onto the end of a long- range movement to put the Coasters in an unassailable position.

Nic Deaves scored a consolation for Brendan’s in the dying minutes and despite their going down 18-4 the parochial crowd flooded onto the field in support of the Yeppoon boy’s efforts.

This win has meant back to back Arrive Alive Queensland State titles for Keebra and really has cemented them as the number one Rugby League Nursery in Queensland.

The boys will now face the winner of the St Dominic’s College Penrith / St Gregory’s College Campbelltown game in the National semi-final.

Darren Hart H.P.E

SOURCE : KEEBRA PARK HIGH SCHOOL / ourfootyteam.com Media